Patterdale Terrier

		Patterdale Terrier
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Great Britain
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Patterdale Terrier

Patterdale Terriers have a small, compact body covered with a smooth, rough coat that appears black around 95% of the time, but can appear red, brown, black and tan. They are a typical terrier in that they have a fiery spirit, great personality and are solid and reliable. But that's not all, they're also friendly, protective and affectionate. Although the Patterdale Terrier is cute and cuddly, it has a ton of energy to burn. They were originally bred as hunting dogs for small game such as rats, foxes and rabbits. Quick and inquisitive, they love to roam outdoors and enjoy plenty of space to explore and get into mischief. For this reason, Patterdale Terriers are not suited to apartments; they need at least one house with a secure yard or, ideally, a place in the country. They get on well with children, but can compete with them for attention. And because of their hunting instinct, their small pets are not to be trusted. Small, strong but very friendly, the Patterdale is a working dog by nature, but makes an ideal companion if you lead an active life and can keep up with this upbeat little dog.

History of the Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale Terrier originated in Great Britain. At the time, there were many breeds or types of Terrier, each district having a different strain of dog. These dogs were bred to withstand the harsh climate of northern England, and more for their working ability than their looks. The origins of Patterdale Terriers began in the Lake District, where Joe Bowman, a master of Foxhounds, strove to perfect the breed into a courageous dog capable of tackling foxhunting with a build that enabled him to pursue the fox into its burrow. The Patterdale Terrier was small enough to gain access to the fox's den, and tough enough to do so, something the larger Foxhounds couldn't manage. The Patterdale was developed to withstand compression in very small tunnels to track prey, namely fox or rabbit. They have a strong neck and powerful jaw for a small dog, designed to suit their hunting profession. Renowned for their courage, they are descended from the Fell Terrier and the Black Smooth-Coated. Patterdales take their name from the town where they were developed, and are not bred for looks and form, but rather for attitude and the ability to be tough as nails. However, due to the development of modern times, the result is a reduction in the use of hunting, the Patterdale, has become an affectionate and gentle pet. A new avenue has developed for their talents in that they excel in dog sports such as agility and flyball.

Appearance of the Patterdale Terrier

Although small in size, the Patterdale Terrier has a strong, powerful wedge-shaped head. Their eyes are wide open, rounded and do not protrude, which is important for a ground-dwelling terrier. Their ears are triangular and fold back, but set away from the head, giving the dog a clean, alert appearance. The Patterdale's neck is strong for its size, well muscled and blends perfectly into the dog's shoulders. The body is well proportioned for its size, and the legs are powerful and straight. It's the chest of this breed that makes it so strong, firm yet flexible, allowing movement in tight spaces like a terrier. The tail is high, long and thick, and has been used to pull this enthusiastic dog from the terrier. Although the coat is short, it can vary from smooth to broken. A dog with a broken coat may have feather markings around the face that exaggerate its eyebrows, mustache or beard. Perfectly designed, the Patterdale Terrier has the energy to burn, the will to please, and is a devoted little dog.

Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier

Like most Terrier dog types, the Patterdale Terrier has an outgoing, larger-than-life personality. Confident and lively, they love to play, run and are best at chasing a hidden toy or ball. Because of their energy, this dog is best in a home with lots of room to roam. They need to burn off that energy, or a bored and restless Patterdale can get into trouble. If they can't burn off their energy, they might just rearrange your garden, add design features to your furniture with their teeth or demolish anything they can find. For the Patterdale puppy, it's important to socialize them well and start training them early. As working dogs, they are well adapted, eager to please and have a toughness that enables them to survive in harsh climates. As a family pet, they are adorable, gentle, funny and will be your children's best friend. Like most Terrier breeds, there's a touch of stubbornness that can be overcome with socialization and training. But the hunting instinct is very strong, so keep your dog in a secure yard, otherwise they'll be off with the wind, chasing anything that dares to move.

Needs and activities of the Patterdale Terrier

Like a cat on a hot roof, this dog hops from foot to foot, eager to get out and investigate life. They're born to hunt, and their instincts are strong. Your Patterdale Terrier will love living on a farm, all those nooks and crannies to patrol and go chasing the wind. If you're in the city, walk this dog on a leash, as they can take off in a flash if they spot or sniff something interesting. Hunting is everything, and you'll have to run after them to catch them. So be warned, keep your Patterdale restrained. They are affectionate family dogs, loving games and activities. They are rarely the first to stop, unless the game is boring. They tend to have a short attention span, so to keep their interest, keep changing things up a bit. This active dog needs a walk or, better still, two walks a day to keep them happy. The Patterdale Terrier is a small dog with a big personality.

Maintenance of the Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale Terrier is a low-maintenance dog. In fact, their short, dense coat needs brushing once a week to stay in good health. They're always busy, curious and intelligent, often finding themselves in the thick of things. Exercise is therefore a prime consideration for this dog. But appearance is wise, a good brushing and cuddle and that's it. They rarely need a bath, maybe just a good wipe down after a walk in the rain. If you must wash them, use a mild dog shampoo to protect the natural oils in your dog's coat. These essential oils are what protect them from extreme weather conditions. While your Patterdale Terrier is sitting in the same spot for brushing, take the opportunity to check for infection or injury in the ears and eyes. Also, don't forget to brush his teeth at least twice a week for good oral hygiene. You probably won't need to trim your nails, as this active dog will probably wear them naturally.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 01 February 2024; Hits: 624

Patterdale Terrier